McCarthy eyes exit

Everton's £22m deal for Schneiderlin seals fate

Ireland star James McCarthy is today closer to an exit from Everton after the Toffees agreed a £22million deal for Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

McCarthy is contracted to the Toffees until 2020 but he has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this season, with unhappiness at the club over the player's insistence on playing for Ireland despite injuries.

A number of clubs have inquired about a loan move for the 26-year-old but Everton, who already have Aiden McGeady out on loan for the season, do not want to engage in a loan deal and are only interested in a permanent move.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa have made inquiries about McCarthy but a transfer fee could pose a problem.

But with Schneiderlin expected to complete his protracted move to Everton in the next 48 hours and join up again with Ronald Koeman, a move for McCarthy is more likely.

Everton have been in negotiations with United since the January transfer window opened but it is understood that both clubs reached a breakthrough yesterday.